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“No.”

“But you know who does?”

Something flickered in his eyes. He didn’t need to reply. His eyes already told me what I needed to know.

“Where is James Chin?”

“I don’t know,” he said as his phone rang. “If you find him, let me know.” He glanced at his phone, his brows furrowed, and tucked it away.

Had James screwed with him too?

“I’d appreciate the same gesture.”

Calvin offered me a nod and turned to Vivian, who had been keenly listening to our conversation. She had stopped trying to free her hand from mine. If she wanted more information about what Calvin and I discussed, she could tell me about her deal with Calvin.

“I’ve got to go.” Calvin rose from his seat just as his phone rang again. “I’ll let you know what I find on the girl,” he said to Vivian.

After he left, I clasped Vivian’s hand more tightly and brought it up to the table. “I like holding your hand.” Her small hand was soft but also firm. I loved how it fit into my wide palm like a puzzle piece finally falling into its perfect place.

“Why?” she asked, but didn’t take her hand away.

“Because it revitalizes me. Gives me energy like a charging station, a battery, a blazing sun.” Her lips curved, and I continued. “Like a rare crystal with magical powers. An antidote for my foul mood.”

Her eyes flickered with amusement. “You didn’t look angry when you were creeping behind me at the park.”

I cleared my throat. “First, I wasn’t creeping. You were lost in thought, and I didn’t want to frighten you. I gave you time to yourself while I followed behind. Then you started jogging, so I caught up to say hello. But you turned around and slammed into me.”

As she searched my face for the truth, her irises turned a dark brown. I wanted her to trust me. She had no reason not to.

“I had the park to myself until you came along.”

“You like taking walks in the early winter mornings?”

“Not really. I needed fresh air to clear my head.”

“Something bothering you?” I caressed my thumb over her hand.

“Just need to figure out a few things. Why are you up early on Sunday morning?”

“Working.”

“Maybe you wouldn't have foul moods if you stopped being a workaholic.”

“Just to clarify, I wasn’t in a foul mood when I saw you at the park. But that changed when you went to see Calvin. He likes you.”

“No, he doesn’t.” She made a disbelieving face. “He has information I need.”

“He said he wanted toseeyou.”

“He’s lying.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re here.” She leaned in, her face inches from mine. “Why are you really here? You could’ve just dropped me off and headed back to work.”

I lifted her hand to my lips and caressed it. Branded it with my lips. “Because I wanted him to believe that you were with me.”

“But we’re not together.”